In this course, students will investigate how the national gov- ernment is structured and how the American constitutional re- public operates. It covers the philosophical and historical foundations of American government, including but not lim- ited to the declaration of independence, the United States con- stitution and all its amendments, and the federalist papers. The course examines the branches of government and the govern- ment’s laws, policies, and programs. It also examines the ways in which citizens participate in their government and ways their government responds to citizens. quired.